JP6857576B2 - Body support device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a body support device.

Conventionally, an actuator having a built-in sensor unit for detecting a load, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, has been known. This actuator is used for a body support device such as a bed.

Japanese Patent No. 5116147 Japanese Patent No. 5435598

However, in the conventional actuator, there is room for improvement in detecting the load with high accuracy.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to detect a load with high accuracy.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
(1) The body support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a strain-causing body, a load sensor arranged on the strain-causing body, and a first member and a second member sandwiching the strain-causing body. The strain-causing body is provided with a first convex portion that protrudes toward the first member or the second member.

In this case, the strain-causing body is provided with a first convex portion. Therefore, for example, when the load transmitted from the first member to the strain generating body is received by the second member, this load is transmitted to the region where the load sensor is arranged in the strain generating body via the first convex portion (for example, Hereinafter, it is possible to concentrate the action on the “sensor area”). As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be improved.
By the way, when the body support device does not have the first convex portion, the first member transmits the load to the strain-causing body and the second member receives the load from the strain-causing body, so that the strain-causing body The end faces of the first member and the second member are abutted against each other over the entire circumference. In this case, if there is a variation in the surface roughness and flatness of the end faces of the strain-causing body, the first member, and the second member due to, for example, a manufacturing error of each member, it is transmitted from the first member to the strain-causing body. Even if the load is the same, the strain generated in the sensor region of the strain-causing body may vary from position to position. However, this body support device includes a first convex portion. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the shape of the end face of each member based on the manufacturing error as described above, the load from the first member or the like is applied through the first convex portion without being affected by the variation. It can be transmitted to the sensor area of the strain-causing body. As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be reliably improved.

(2) The body support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a strain-causing body, a load sensor arranged on the strain-causing body, and a first member and a second member sandwiching the strain-causing body. At least one of the first member and the second member is provided with a second convex portion that protrudes toward the strain-causing body.

In this case, a second convex portion is provided on at least one of the first member and the second member. Therefore, for example, when the load transmitted from the first member to the strain generating body is received by the second member, this load is transmitted to the region where the load sensor is arranged in the strain generating body via the second convex portion (for example, Hereinafter, it is possible to concentrate the action on the “sensor area”). As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be improved.
By the way, when the body support device does not have the second convex portion, the first member transmits the load to the strain generating body and the second member receives the load from the strain generating body, so that the strain generating body The end faces of the first member and the second member are abutted against each other over the entire circumference. In this case, if there is a variation in the surface roughness and flatness of the end faces of the strain-causing body, the first member, and the second member due to, for example, a manufacturing error of each member, it is transmitted from the first member to the strain-causing body. Even if the load is the same, the strain generated in the sensor region of the strain-causing body may vary from position to position. However, this body support device includes a second convex portion. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the shape of the end face of each member based on the manufacturing error as described above, the load from the first member or the like is applied via the second convex portion without being affected by the variation. It can be transmitted to the sensor area of the strain-causing body. As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be reliably improved.

(3) The body support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a strain-causing body, a load sensor arranged on the strain-causing body, a first member and a second member sandwiching the strain-causing body, and the strain-causing body. A spacer is provided between the body and the first member, and at least one of the strain-causing body and the second member.

In this case, the body support device comprises a spacer. Therefore, for example, when the load transmitted from the first member to the strain generating body is received by the second member, this load is transferred to the region where the load sensor is arranged in the strain generating body via the spacer (hereinafter, "" It is possible to concentrate the action on the "sensor area"). As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be improved.
By the way, when the body support device does not have a spacer, the first member transmits the load to the strain-causing body and the second member receives the load from the strain-causing body, so that the strain-causing body or the first member The end faces of the member and the second member are abutted against each other over the entire circumference. In this case, if there is a variation in the surface roughness and flatness of the end faces of the strain-causing body, the first member, and the second member due to, for example, a manufacturing error of each member, it is transmitted from the first member to the strain-causing body. Even if the load is the same, the strain generated in the sensor region of the strain-causing body may vary from position to position. However, this body support device includes spacers. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the shape of the end face of each member based on the manufacturing error as described above, the load from the first member or the like is generated and distorted through the spacer without being affected by the variation. It can be transmitted to the sensor area of the body. As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be reliably improved.

(4) The body support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a strain-causing body, a load sensor arranged on the strain-causing body, a first member and a second member sandwiching the strain-causing body, and the first member. When a load is applied to the strain generating body from the member or the second member, the load transmitting body causes the load to be applied to the region where the load sensor is arranged in the strain generating body more concentrated than other regions. , Equipped with.

In this case, when a load acts on the strain generating body from the first member or the second member, the load transmitter is placed in a region (hereinafter, referred to as “sensor region”) in which the load sensor is arranged in the strain generating body. The load is applied more concentratedly than in other areas. As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be improved.
By the way, when the body support device does not have a load transmitter, the first member transmits the load to the strain-causing body and the second member receives the load from the strain-causing body, so that the strain-causing body or The end faces of the first member and the second member are abutted against each other over the entire circumference. In this case, if there is a variation in the surface roughness and flatness of the end faces of the strain-causing body, the first member, and the second member due to, for example, a manufacturing error of each member, it is transmitted from the first member to the strain-causing body. Even if the load is the same, the strain generated in the sensor region of the strain-causing body may vary from position to position. However, this body support device includes a load transmitter. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the shape of the end face of each member based on the manufacturing error as described above, the load from the first member or the like is transmitted via the load transmitter without being affected by the variation. It can be transmitted to the sensor area of the strain-causing body. As a result, the sensor region of the strain-causing body can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor can be reliably improved.

(5) The body support device according to (1) to (4) may employ a configuration further including the strain-causing body and an actuator incorporating the load sensor.

In this case, a strain-causing body and a load sensor (hereinafter referred to as "sensor unit") are built in the actuator. Therefore, when the sensor unit is installed on the body support device, the sensor unit can be installed integrally with the actuator. This makes it easier to assemble the body support device, for example, as compared with the case where the sensor unit is not built in the actuator.

According to each of the above aspects of the present invention, the load can be detected with high accuracy.

It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration of the information providing system including the body support device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the body support device which comprises the information providing system shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the state which the user got out of bed from the body support device shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the actuator which constitutes the body support device shown in FIG. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit built in the actuator shown in FIG. It is a top view of the sensor unit shown in FIG. It is a side view explaining the load sensor included in the sensor unit shown in FIG. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which comprises the body support device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which comprises the body support device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which comprises the body support device which concerns on 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which comprises the body support device which concerns on 11th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the sensor unit shown in FIG. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which constitutes the body support device which concerns on 12th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the main part including the sensor unit which comprises the body support device which concerns on 13th Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the body support device which concerns on 14th Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load for the actuator of the comparative example in the verification test, and the output of a sensor unit. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load for the actuator of the comparative example in the verification test, and the linearity of a sensor output. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load about the actuator of an Example in a verification test, and the output of a sensor unit. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load and the linearity of a sensor output about the actuator of an Example in a verification test.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the information providing system 1 including the body support device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the information providing system 1. The information providing system 1 is provided in a facility such as a hospital or a long-term care facility where a person to be medically or long-term care (hereinafter referred to as "user P") stays (including hospitalization) or resides. The information providing system 1 can be used, for example, in a medical environment (including a nursing care environment). User P (facility user) includes patients and long-term care recipients. The information providing system 1 provides information to the observer (employee). The observer is a person who provides medical care or long-term care to the user P.

The information providing system 1 includes a server 3, a shared terminal 4, a plurality of mobile terminals 5, a plurality of bedside terminals 2, and a plurality of body support devices 10.
The bedside terminal 2 is installed in the living room where the user P stays or resides. For example, one bedside terminal 2 is associated with one user P. By displaying the information on the display unit of the bedside terminal 2, the information is provided to the user P and the observer. The bedside terminal 2 is connected to a sensor unit 34 (load sensor 36) provided in the body support device 10, or is connected to a server 3 or the like via a network.

The server 3 and each of the other devices are communicably connected by wire communication or wireless communication. The communication path between the server 3 and each of the other devices may be partly or wholly common, or may be independent of each other. The server 3 is configured by using an information processing device capable of communicating. The server 3 includes a CPU (Central Processor Unit), a memory, and an auxiliary storage device connected by a bus. The server 3 operates by executing a dedicated program. The server 3 stores, for example, electronic medical record data. The server 3 transmits the electronic medical record data stored in the own device to the requesting device in response to a request from another device.

The shared terminal 4 is configured by using an information processing device capable of communicating. The shared terminal 4 can communicate with the server 3 via a communication path. The shared terminal 4 includes a CPU, a memory, and an auxiliary storage device connected by a bus. The shared terminal 4 operates by executing the shared terminal program. The shared terminal 4 is installed in a place where one or more observers wait, such as a nurse station or a waiting room for WOC nurses.

The mobile terminal 5 is configured by using an information processing device that is portable and can communicate. The mobile terminal 5 may be configured by using a device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or a portable dedicated terminal. The mobile terminal 5 can communicate with the server 3 via a communication path. The mobile terminal 5 includes a CPU, a memory, and an auxiliary storage device connected by a bus. The mobile terminal 5 is carried by, for example, an observer. By operating the mobile terminal 5, the observer can acquire information about the user P, information about the equipment, or electronic medical record data of the user P, which he / she is mainly in charge of.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, examples of the body support device 10 include a bed and a chair. Examples of the bed include a gatch bed, and examples of the chair include a reclining chair. On the body support device 10, the user P lies on the floor, sits with the upper body raised, takes an end-sitting posture, and gets out of bed. It is also possible to employ a so-called long-term care lift as the body support device 10.

The body support device 10 includes a support base 11 and a pedestal 12. The support base 11 supports the user P. The gantry 12 movably supports the support pedestal 11. The gantry 12 may be capable of raising and lowering the support pedestal 11, or the form of the support pedestal 11 may be changed, for example. In the illustrated example, the gantry 12 supports the support pedestal 11 so as to be able to move up and down.

When the gantry 12 can change the form of the support pedestal 11, and the body support device 10 is a gatch bed, the gantry 12 has the form of the support pedestal 11 (sleeper), and the support pedestal 11 has a so-called back. It can be changed to raise or raise the leg. When the body support device 10 is a reclining chair, the gantry 12 has a so-called chair position that supports the user P in the sitting position and a so-called bed position that supports the user P in the supine position. Can be changed between.

The gantry 12 includes a base frame 13, a main frame 14, and an elevating mechanism 15. The base frame 13 is arranged on the installation surface 91. The main frame 14 is arranged above the base frame 13 and fixed to the support base 11. The elevating mechanism 15 is arranged between the base frame 13 and the main frame 14, and elevates and elevates the main frame 14 with respect to the base frame 13.

The elevating mechanism 15 includes an actuator 20. In the illustrated example, the actuator 20 is a linear actuator that expands and contracts in the long axis direction D, and the support base 11 (main frame 14) is moved up and down by expanding and contracting. In this way, the actuator 20 moves at least a part of the support base 11 (in the present embodiment, the entire support base 11). Further, at least a part of the load of the user P on the support base 11 acts on the actuator 20. The load acting on the actuator 20 varies depending on whether the user P is located on the support base 11 (when he / she is in bed) or when the user P is not located on the support base 11 (when he / she is out of bed).

As shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 20 includes a base cylinder 21, a screw shaft 22 (shaft), a female screw member 23, an actuator 24, a radial bearing 25, a first member 26, and a second member 27. , Equipped with.
The base cylinder 21 and the screw shaft 22 extend in the long axis direction D of the actuator 20. The screw shaft 22 is inserted into the substrate cylinder 21. The first end portion of the screw shaft 22 in the major axis direction D is rotatably supported by the substrate cylinder 21. A small diameter portion 28 is provided at the first end portion of the screw shaft 22.

The female screw member 23 is screwed onto the screw shaft 22. The female screw member 23 is screwed into the main body portion 29 of the screw shaft 22 located closer to the second end portion than the first end portion along the major axis direction D.
The operating body 24 is fixed to the female screw member 23. As a result, the operating body 24 can move forward and backward in the long axis direction D of the screw shaft 22.

The radial bearing 25 is arranged in the small diameter portion 28 of the screw shaft 22. The radial bearing 25 includes an inner ring 30, an outer ring 31, and a rolling element 32. The inner ring 30 is fitted into the small diameter portion 28 from the outside and receives a load from the main body portion 29 of the screw shaft 22.
The first member 26 is connected to the screw shaft 22. The first member 26 is formed in a tubular shape coaxial with the radial bearing 25, and covers the first end portion of the screw shaft 22 from the outside. The first member 26 receives a load from the outer ring 31 of the radial bearing 25. The first member 26 is in non-contact with the inner ring 30 of the radial bearing 25.

The second member 27 is fixed to the end portion of the substrate cylinder 21 in the major axis direction D and covers the first end portion of the screw shaft 22. The second member 27 forms a case 33 (housing) of the actuator 20 together with the base cylinder 21 and the operating body 24. The case 33 can be formed of a light material such as a light metal such as aluminum or a resin material, mainly for the purpose of weight reduction.

In the actuator 20, the actuator 24 is fixed to the main frame 14 and the second member 27 is fixed to the base frame 13, or the second member 27 is fixed to the main frame 14 and the actuator 24 is fixed to the base frame 13. It is fixed to. As a result, the support base 11 moves up and down as the actuator 20 expands and contracts.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the actuator 20 includes a sensor unit 34. The sensor unit 34 includes a strain generating body 35 and a load sensor 36.
At least a part of the load of the user P on the support 11 acts on the strain generating body 35. The load acting on the actuator 20 is transmitted from the support base 11 to the strain generating body 35. The strain-causing body 35 is arranged between the first member 26 and the second member 27. The strain-causing body 35 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the major axis direction D, and is sandwiched between the first member 26 and the second member 27 in the major axis direction D. The strain generating body 35 covers the first end portion of the screw shaft 22 from the outside. The strain generating body 35 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a square tubular shape.

The load sensor 36 is arranged on the strain generating body 35. The load sensor 36 is attached to the surface of the strain generating body 35 (in the illustrated example, the outer peripheral surface). A plurality of load sensors 36 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the strain generating body 35 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “circumferential direction”). In the present embodiment, the load sensor 36 is formed by a strain gauge that converts the strain generated in the strain generating body 35 into an electric signal. Although the load sensor 36 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the strain generating body 35 in the illustrated example, it may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the strain generating body 35.

An arithmetic control unit 37 arranged outside the actuator 20 is connected to the load sensor 36. The arithmetic control unit 37 calculates the load acting on the strain generating body 35 based on the detection signal of the load sensor 36. A plurality of load sensors 36 are connected in parallel to the arithmetic control unit 37, and the arithmetic control unit 37 arranges the load sensor 36 in the strain generating body 35 based on each detection signal of the plurality of load sensors 36. The average value of the loads acting on the region (hereinafter referred to as “sensor region 35a”) may be calculated. In this case, the above-mentioned calculation result by the calculation control unit 37 can be used as a load acting on the strain generating body 35.

The arithmetic control unit 37 and the load sensor 36 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wired connection, as shown in FIG. 4, a circuit board 38 having a function of amplifying the detection signal of the load sensor 36, for example, may be provided between the arithmetic control unit 37 and the load sensor 36. Further, instead of providing the circuit board 38, the arithmetic control unit 37 may be provided with the function of the circuit board 38. The arithmetic control unit 37 may further have functions related to motor drive control, rotation amount detection, and the like (not shown).

In the actuator 20, the first member 26 is arranged between the support base 11 and the strain generating body 35, and the second member 27 is arranged on the opposite side of the first member 26 with the strain generating body 35 sandwiched between them. Has been done. Then, the first member 26 transmits the load of the user P from the support base 11 to the strain generating body 35 via the operating body 24, the female screw member 23, the screw shaft 22, and the radial bearing 25, and the second member 27 receives the load. The load transmitted to the strain generating body 35 is received.

When a load acts on the strain-causing body 35, the strain-causing body 35 is compressed in the major axis direction D and expands in the circumferential direction, and when the load is released, it expands (restores) in the major axis direction D and rotates. It contracts (restores) in the direction. That is, the strain-causing body 35 elastically deforms in the major axis direction D based on the load acting on the strain-causing body 35. Since the load sensor 36 is deformed in the major axis direction D and the circumferential direction in response to this elastic deformation, a detection signal corresponding to the amount of deformation of the load sensor 36 is sent to the calculation control unit 37, and the calculation control unit 37 The load can be measured.

The arithmetic control unit 37 can determine that when the measured load fluctuates, the posture of the user P (patient or the care recipient) on the support base 11 is changed and the body moves. Further, the arithmetic control unit 37 can estimate how the posture of the user P has been changed based on the content of the load fluctuation.

Further, the arithmetic control unit 37 can notify the observer (nurse or caregiver) of, for example, when the user P starts to raise his / her upper body from the lying state or starts to stand up. In this case, the possibility of the user P's fall can be notified to the observer through, for example, the bedside terminal 2, and the fall can be prevented. The arithmetic control unit 37 may measure the weight of the user P or estimate the posture based on the static load when the user P is in bed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the body support device 10 further includes a load transmitter 39. When a load is applied to the strain generating body 35 from the first member 26 or the second member 27, the load transmitting body 39 exerts a load on the sensor region 35a of the strain generating body 35 more concentratedly than other regions. Let me. In the present embodiment, the load transmitting body 39 includes a first load transmitting body 39a and a second load transmitting body 39b. The first load transmitter 39a causes the load from the first member 26 to act on the strain generating body 35. The second load transmitter 39b causes the load from the second member 27 to act on the strain generating body 35. The first load transmitting body 39a and the second load transmitting body 39b have the same shape and the same size as each other.

The load transmitter 39 is formed by the first convex portion 46. The first convex portion 46 is provided on the strain generating body 35. The first convex portion 46 projects from the strain generating body 35 toward the first member 26 or the second member 27. The first convex portion 46 is intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction. The size (height H) of the first convex portion 46 in the major axis direction D is, for example, 0.05 mm or more. The size (width W) of the first convex portion 46 in the circumferential direction is, for example, about 8 mm.
The first convex portion 46 protruding from the strain generating body 35 toward the first member 26 forms the first load transmitting body 39a. The first convex portion 46 protruding from the strain generating body 35 toward the second member 27 forms the second load transmitting body 39b.

The load transmitter 39 (first convex portion 46) is arranged so as to correspond to the load sensor 36. The load sensor 36 and the load transmitter 39 are arranged side by side in the long axis direction D (load transmission direction, load input direction). The first load transmitter 39a and the second load transmitter 39b are provided in the same number as the plurality of load sensors 36, respectively. Each load transmitter 39 is arranged at a position corresponding to the load sensor 36 in the circumferential direction, and at least a part of the position along the circumferential direction of the load sensor 39 and the position along the circumferential direction of the load sensor 36 It overlaps with each other.

The first load transmitter 39a is formed to have the same size in the circumferential direction as the load sensor 36, and is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the load sensor 36. The first load transmitter 39a is smaller in the major axis direction D than the strain generating body 35 and the load sensor 36. The size of the first load transmitter 39a in the major axis direction D is the same regardless of the position in the circumferential direction. The size of the first load transmitter 39a in the circumferential direction is the same regardless of the position in the major axis direction D. Both side surfaces of the first load transmitter 39a in the circumferential direction are planes extending parallel to the major axis direction D. The first load transmitter 39a extends straight in the major axis direction D as a whole.

The second load transmitter 39b is formed to have the same size in the circumferential direction as the load sensor 36, and is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the load sensor 36. The second load transmitter 39b is smaller in the major axis direction D than the strain generating body 35 and the load sensor 36. The size of the second load transmitter 39b in the major axis direction D is the same regardless of the position in the circumferential direction. The size of the second load transmitter 39b in the circumferential direction is the same regardless of the position in the major axis direction D. Both side surfaces of the second load transmitter 39b in the circumferential direction are planes extending parallel to the major axis direction D. The second load transmitter 39b extends straight in the major axis direction D as a whole.

A space portion 40 is provided between the load transmitters 39 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The space portion 40 is a second space portion 40 provided between the first space portion 40a provided between the first load transmission bodies 39a adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and the second load transmission bodies 39b provided between the second load transmission bodies 39b adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. A space portion 40b and a space portion 40b are provided. Both the first space portion 40a and the second space portion 40b are open toward the outside in the major axis direction D (opposite side of the strain generating body 35). The first space portion 40a avoids contact between the strain generating body 35 and the first member 26 at each of these positions. The second space portion 40b avoids contact between the strain generating body 35 and the second member 27 at each of these positions.

Each space portion 40 forms a transmission resistance portion 41. The transmission resistance portion 41 is a resistance for transmitting a load between the strain generating body 35 and the first member 26 or the second member 27. The transmission resistance portion 41 is less likely to transmit a load between the strain generating body 35 and the first member 26 or the second member 27 than the load transmitting body 39.

The load transmitter 39 and the space portion 40 form an uneven portion 42. The load transmitter 39 forms a convex portion in the concave-convex portion 42, and the space portion 40 forms a concave portion in the concave-convex portion 42. In the present embodiment, the uneven portion 42 is arranged both between the strain generating body 35 and the first member 26 and between the strain generating body 35 and the second member 27.

As described above, according to the body support device 10 according to the present embodiment, when a load acts on the strain generating body 35 from the first member 26 or the second member 27, the load transmitting body 39 causes the strain generating body 39. Of these, the load is applied to the sensor region 35a more concentratedly than the other regions. Therefore, for example, when the load transmitted from the first member 26 to the strain generating body 35 is received by the second member 27, this load is concentrated on the sensor region 35a of the strain generating body 35 by the load transmitting body 39. Can act. As a result, the sensor region 35a of the strain-causing body 35 can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor 36 can be improved.

By the way, when the body support device 10 does not include the load transmitting body 39 (first convex portion 46), the first member 26 transmits the load to the strain generating body 35, or the second member 27 is the strain generating body 35. The end faces of the strain generating body 35, the first member 26, and the second member 27 are abutted against each other over the entire circumference in order to receive the load from the body. In this case, if the surface roughness and flatness of the end faces of the strain-causing body 35, the first member 26, and the second member 27 vary due to, for example, manufacturing errors of each member, the strain-causing body 26 causes strain. Even if the load transmitted to the body 35 is the same, the strain generated in the sensor region 35a of the strain generating body 35 may vary from position to position. However, the body support device 10 includes a load transmitter 39. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the shape of the end face of each member based on the manufacturing error as described above, the load from the first member 26 and the like can be applied to the load transmitter 39 without being affected by the variation. It can be transmitted to the sensor region 35a of the strain-causing body 35 via. As a result, the sensor region 35a of the strain-causing body 35 can be distorted with high accuracy according to the magnitude of the load, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor 36 can be reliably improved.

Further, the sensor unit 34 is built in the actuator 20. Therefore, when the sensor unit 34 is installed on the body support device 10, the sensor unit 34 can be installed integrally with the actuator 20. Thereby, for example, the body support device 10 can be easily assembled as compared with the case where the sensor unit 34 is not built in the actuator 20.

When the case 33 of the actuator 20 is formed of, for example, a light metal such as aluminum or a light material such as a resin material, the case 33 is distorted unevenly when a load is applied to the actuator 20, for example. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the load sensor 36 (sensor unit 34) may be affected. However, the body support device 10 includes a load transmitter 39. Therefore, even if the case 33 is slightly unevenly distorted as described above, the sensor region 35a of the strain generating body 35 is accurately distorted according to the magnitude of the load without being affected by the distortion. Can be done. As a result, the detection accuracy of the load sensor 36 can be reliably improved.

Further, the load sensor 36 and the load transmitter 39 are arranged side by side in the long axis direction D. Therefore, for example, when the actuator 20 expands and contracts, it becomes possible to apply a load in the long axis direction D to the sensor region 35a of the strain generating body 35 via the load transmitting body 39, and the sensor region 35a can be accurately applied. It can be distorted.

Further, the actuator 20 moves at least a part of the support base 11. Therefore, for example, when the actuator 20 moves the support base 11, the load from the user P on the support base 11 acts on the actuator 20 and the strain generating body 35 (sensor unit 34) in the actuator 20. .. Thereby, for example, the load sensor 36 (sensor unit 34) can detect the load of the user P on the moving support base 11.

Further, since the load transmitting body 39 is integrally formed with the strain generating body 35, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts due to the provision of the load transmitting body 39.
Further, the load transmitting body 39 forms a convex portion of the uneven portion 42, and the portion where the load transmitting body 39 is not arranged is a concave portion (space portion 40). Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the transmission of an extra load other than the sensor region 35a, and the detection accuracy by the load sensor 36 can be further improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the body support device 50 of the second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, the same parts as the components in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support device 50 according to the present embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed by the second convex portion 47. The second convex portion 47 is provided on at least one of the first member 26 and the second member 27. In the present embodiment, the second convex portion 47 is provided on both the first member 26 and the second member 27. The second convex portion 47 projects from the first member 26 or the second member 27 toward the strain generating body 35.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the body support device 60 of the third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the third embodiment, the same parts as the components in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support device 60 according to the present embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed by the spacer 48. The spacer 48 is formed of a member different from the strain-causing body 35, the first member 26, and the second member 27, and is not integrally formed. The spacer 48 is arranged between the strain generating body 35 and the first member 26 and at least one of the strain generating body 35 and the second member 27, in this embodiment, both. Each spacer 48 is formed by a separate member one by one, and is fixed to, for example, the end face of the strain generating body 35.
According to such a body support device 60, the load transmitter 39 (spacer 48) is formed of a member different from the strain-causing body 35, the first member 26, and the second member 27, and therefore, for example, individual members. It is possible to simplify the shape of the members, and it is possible to easily form individual members.

(4th to 7th embodiments)
Next, the body support devices 80, 90, 100, 110 according to the fourth to seventh embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.
In addition, in these 4th to 7th embodiments, the same parts as the components in the 1st embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support devices 80, 90, 100, 110 according to each of these embodiments, the size of the load transmitter 39 (first convex portion 46) in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the outside in the major axis direction D. There is.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the body support device 80 of the fourth embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed in a semicircular shape that protrudes outward in the long axis direction D. The semicircular shape has an elliptical shape that is long in the circumferential direction.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the body support device 90 of the fifth embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape so as to project outward in the long axis direction D. In the isosceles trapezoid, the upper base located outside the major axis direction D is shorter in the circumferential direction than the lower base located inside the major axis direction D (distortion body 35 side). Both side surfaces of the load transmitter 39 in the circumferential direction are inclined surfaces that are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the major axis direction D.

As shown in FIG. 12, the body support device 100 of the sixth embodiment differs from the body support device 90 of the fifth embodiment in that both side surfaces of the load transmitter 39 are formed in a curved surface shape. There is.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the body support device 110 of the seventh embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed in a triangular shape so as to project outward in the long axis direction D.

(8th and 9th embodiments)
Next, the body support devices 120 and 130 according to the eighth and ninth embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
In the eighth embodiment and the ninth embodiment, the same parts as the components in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support devices 120 and 130 according to each of these embodiments, the size of the load transmitter 39 (first convex portion 46) in the circumferential direction increases toward the outside in the major axis direction D.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the body support device 120 of the eighth embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape so as to project inward in the long axis direction D. In the isosceles trapezoid, the upper base located outside the major axis direction D is longer in the circumferential direction than the lower base located inside the major axis direction D (distortion body 35 side). Both side surfaces of the load transmitter 39 in the circumferential direction are inclined surfaces that are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the major axis direction D.
As shown in FIG. 15, the body support device 130 of the ninth embodiment differs from the body support device 120 of the eighth embodiment in that both side surfaces of the load transmitter 39 are formed in a curved surface shape. There is.

(10th Embodiment)
Next, the body support device 140 of the tenth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In these tenth embodiments, the same parts as the components in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support device 140 according to the present embodiment, the load transmitter 39 (first convex portion 46) extends in an inclined direction D in the long axis direction as a whole. Both side surfaces of the load transmitter 39 in the circumferential direction are inclined surfaces extending in the same direction as the major axis direction D.

(11th Embodiment)
Next, the body support device 150 of the eleventh embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.
In these eleventh embodiments, the same parts as the components in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support device 150 according to the present embodiment, the transmission resistance portion 41 includes a thin-walled portion 43. The thin-walled portion 43 connects the load transmitters 39 (first convex portions 46) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The thin-walled portion 43 is formed to be thinner than the load transmitter 39. In the illustrated example, the thin-walled portion 43 is formed flush with the outer peripheral surface of the strain generating body 35. The thin-walled portion 43 closes the space portion 40 from the outside in the radial direction. Since the transmission resistance portion 41 includes the thin-walled portion 43, the transmission resistance portion 41 transmits the load from the first member 26 and the second member 27 to the strain generating body 35 as compared with the thick load transmitting body 39. It's getting harder to do.

(12th and 13th embodiments)
Next, the body support devices 160 and 170 according to the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.
In the twelfth embodiment and the thirteenth embodiment, the same parts as the components in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

In the body support devices 160 and 170 according to each of these embodiments, the transmission resistance portion 41 includes a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 connects the load transmitters 39 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The connecting portion 44 connects the outer ends of the load transmitters 39 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in the long axis direction D. The connecting portion 44 closes the space portion 40 from the outside in the major axis direction D. The connecting portion 44 is in contact with the first member 26 or the second member 27.
As shown in FIG. 19, in the body support device 160 according to the twelfth embodiment, the space portion 40 is formed in a rectangular shape long in the circumferential direction.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the body support device 170 according to the thirteenth embodiment, the space portion 40 is formed in an elliptical shape long in the circumferential direction.

(14th Embodiment)
Next, the body support device 70 of the 14th embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the 14th embodiment, the same parts as the components in the 1st embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the different points will be described.

The body support device 70 according to the present embodiment includes a leg member 71 instead of the base 12 including the base frame 13 and the elevating mechanism 15. In the present embodiment, the main frame 14 (support stand 11) is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the leg members 71 are arranged at each of the four corners of the main frame 14.

The leg member 71 includes a sensor unit 34, a leg body 72 as the first member 26, and a ground contact portion 73 as the second member 27. The leg body 72 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction. The upper end of the leg body 72 is directly connected to the main frame 14. The ground contact portion 73 is arranged below the leg body 72. The sensor unit 34 (distortion body 35) is arranged between the lower end portion of the leg body 72 and the ground contact portion 73. The strain-causing body 35 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the vertical direction.

In the body support device 70, the leg body 72 transmits the load of the user P acting from the support base 11 to the strain generating body 35 via the main frame 14. The ground contact portion 73 receives the load acting on the strain generating body 35. A load is input to the strain generating body 35 along the vertical direction.
The vertical positions (height positions) of the strain-causing body 35 (sensor unit 34) of each of the four leg members 71 are considered to be equivalent to each other. The load sensor 36 in each sensor unit 34 is connected to a common calculation control unit 37. The arithmetic control unit 37 can estimate, for example, the weight, body movement, state (posture), etc. of the user P on the support base 11 based on the detection results of each load sensor 36 (sensor unit 34).

Instead of the configuration in which the strain generating body 35 (sensor unit 34) is provided in each of the four leg members 71, a configuration in which the strain generating body 35 is provided in three leg members 71 out of the four leg members 71 may be adopted. .. Further, instead of the configuration in which the strain generating body 35 is provided in the leg member 71, the strain generating body 35 is arranged between the main frame 14 and the leg member 71, or is arranged between the support base 11 and the main frame 14. May be adopted. In any of these configurations, the detection results (sensors) of the load sensors 36 arranged on the strain-causing bodies 35 are provided by providing the strain-generating bodies 35 having the same height position. Based on the detection result of the unit 34), the weight, body movement, state (posture), etc. of the user P on the support base 11 can be accurately estimated.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the load transmission body 39 includes both the first load transmission body 39a and the second load transmission body 39b, but the load transmission body 39 is only the first load transmission body 39a or the second load transmission body 39b. May be provided.
In the above embodiment, the load transmitter 39 is formed to have the same size in the circumferential direction as the load sensor 36, and is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the load sensor 36, but the present invention is limited to this. Absent. For example, the load transmitter 39 may be smaller or larger in the circumferential direction than the load sensor 36. Further, the load transmitter 39 may be arranged so as to be displaced in the circumferential direction with respect to the load sensor 36. It is possible to appropriately change to another form in which at least a part of the position along the circumferential direction of the load transmitter 39 and the position along the circumferential direction of the load sensor 36 overlap each other.

In addition, it is possible to replace the constituent elements in the above-described embodiment with well-known constituent elements as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-mentioned modified examples may be appropriately combined.

Next, a verification test conducted for verifying the action and effect of the present invention will be described.
In this verification test, two actuators, a comparative example and an example, were prepared. The actuator of the comparative example does not have the load transmitter 39 as compared with the actuator 20 forming the body support device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, and the end faces of the strain generating body 35, the first member 26, and the second member 27 are formed. They are directly butted. The actuator of the embodiment has the same configuration as the actuator 20 forming the body support device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

In this verification test, the actuators of Comparative Examples and Examples were allowed to act while gradually increasing the load from 0N to 7000N, and the output of the load sensor (sensor unit) in this process was measured as a voltage (V). Further, the actuators of Comparative Examples and Examples were allowed to act while gradually reducing the load from 7000N to 0N, and the output of the load sensor in this process was measured as a voltage (V). Furthermore, the linearity of the sensor output was calculated for each of the detection result when the load increased and the detection result when the load decreased. The smaller the absolute value of linearity, the stronger the linearity between the load and the output, and the more accurate the load can be measured.

The results are shown in FIGS. 22 to 25. 22 and 23 are graphs showing the results for the comparative example, and FIGS. 24 and 25 are graphs showing the results for the examples. FIG. 22 shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load and the output of the load sensor for the actuator of the comparative example. FIG. 23 shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load and the linearity of the actuator of the comparative example. FIG. 24 shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load and the output of the load sensor for the actuator of the embodiment. FIG. 25 shows the relationship between the magnitude of the load and the linearity of the actuator of the embodiment. In each graph, the horizontal axis represents the magnitude of the load and the vertical axis represents the output or linearity. Of the two graph lines in each graph, the solid line (Legend: Inc) is the result when the load is increased, and the broken line (Legend: Dec) is the result when the load is decreased.

Some numerical values of the results are described below.
In the comparative example, the zero balance (output at 0 N load before the start of the verification test) is 0.98 V, the output at the 7000 N load is 3.45 V, and the rated output (output at 0 N load before the start of the verification test). The difference between the output and the output under a load of 7000 N, the span) is 2.47 V, and the linearity that maximizes the absolute value is 9.41%.
In the embodiment, the zero balance is 0.99V, the output under a load of 7000N is 3.66V, the rated output (span) is 2.67V, and the linearity with the maximum absolute value is -1.87%. Is.

From the above, it was confirmed that in the examples, the rated output was larger and the absolute value of linearity was smaller than in the comparative example. If the rated output is large, for example, the voltage drop width when the user leaves the bed becomes large, so that the accuracy (resolution) of the detection of leaving the bed can be improved. When the absolute value of linearity is small, the load can be measured with high accuracy as described above, and for example, false alarm of detection of getting out of bed can be suppressed.

10, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 Body support device 11 Support base 20 Actuator 26 First member 27 Second member 35 Distortion body 36 Load sensor 39 Load transmitter 46 First convex part 47 Second convex part 48 Spacer P User

Claims (6)

Distortion body and
The load sensor arranged on the strain-causing body and
The first member and the second member sandwiching the strain-causing body ,
With
When a load is applied to the strain-causing body from the first member or the second member, the load sensor is in the first range of the strain-generating body in which the load is applied more concentrated than other regions. Placed ,
The load sensors are provided in the same number as the convex portions provided on any of the strain generating body, the first member, and the second member.
The circumferential length of the load sensor is equivalent to the circumferential length of the convex portion provided on any of the strain generating body, the first member, and the second member.
Further provided with an actuator incorporating the strain-causing body and the load sensor.
The actuator includes a base cylinder, a shaft inserted into the base cylinder, a female screw member screwed into the shaft, an operating body fixed to the female screw member, and a radial bearing arranged in a small diameter portion of the shaft. Including
The first member surrounds the outer edge of the shaft and
The radial bearing is a body support device including an inner ring that receives a partial load of the shaft, an outer ring arranged outside the inner ring, and a rolling element provided between the inner ring and the outer ring. The strain-causing body is provided with a first convex portion that protrudes toward the first member or the second member .
The body support device according to claim 1 , wherein the height of the first convex portion in the major axis direction is 0.05 mm or more. The body support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member is provided with a second convex portion projecting toward the strain-causing body. The body support device according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer arranged between the strain-causing body and the first member, and at least one of the strain-causing body and the second member. The strain-causing body is tubular and has a tubular shape.
The first convex portion is provided on the upper part or the lower part of the strain generating body, and the first convex portion is provided.
Wherein among the side surfaces of the strain body, according to claim 2 Symbol mounting body supporting device, characterized in that said load sensor is disposed at a position corresponding to the first protrusion. The outer side surface of the strain-causing body extends linearly along the longitudinal direction of the actuator.
The body support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the load sensor is outside the convex portion.

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